500 Words: Somerset and Wiltshire children in final of BBC writing competition

Elsie hopes to become an author when she grows up

Two schoolchildren from the West are to visit Buckingham Palace after becoming finalists in the BBC's 500 Words competition.

Elsie 10, from Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, and Harry, eight, from Amesbury in Wiltshire, are among 50 finalists selected from 44,000 entries.

The competition challenges children between the ages of five and 11 to write a story in 500 words.

Elsie said she "can't believe" she has made it to the final.

On Wednesday, 50 finalists will attend Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Camilla and a group of celebrities who will be reading out the stories.

The six winners across two different age categories will be announced on 7 March as part of a special programme on The One Show.

Elsie began writing her comedy story, 'Snickers and Knickers' when she was about seven-years-old.

It follows the character Bella Rose, who writes diary entries over the course of a week about her embarrassing parents and her crush, Charlie Harps.

Elsie said she drew inspiration from her favourite author, Katie Kirby.

"I really want to be an author when I grow up," she said.

"I think being a part of [500 Words] has made me feel like I'm actually capable of doing that."

Harry's story is about different coloured cities overcoming their differences

Harry submitted 'The Green City' to the age five to seven category.

It follows residents in three different cities who work to overcome conflict.

Speaking on BBC Points West on Monday, Harry said: "Sometimes when I cannot sleep in the night I make up stories in my head."

He said his school friends were "very happy" for him and everybody cheered for him when he went up the front in assembly.

Harry's mum Jenny said: "We read to him every night and sometimes he gets to stay up late because he is listening to stories.

"We are really excited [about going to the Palace]. We are really proud of Harry, really excited."

Head of BBC Education, Helen Foulkes, said: "It's brilliant that so many children from across the UK entered their stories to BBC 500 Words, a competition that goes to the heart of BBC Children's and Education.

"The Grand Final is going to be a very special occasion that celebrates the next generation of creative writers."